6 Ways to Wear Your Favorite Warm-Weather Clothes Right Now

It's all about the power of layering.

Just because you can see your breath doesn't mean you can't still get some use out of your favorite warm-weather clothes. Layering can turn any piece of clothing into a year-round go-to, whether it's a pair of strappy sandals or an airy chiffon dress. Here are six ideas to get you started.

1. Chiffon mini skirt + oversize sweater

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That flippy little miniskirt you're so fond of wearing in the summer can look just as good, if not better, in the winter, peeking out from under the hem of an oversize sweater. Feel free to layer up like crazy under the sweater — it's oversize, so there's not need to worry about it looking bulky — and pair sheer tights with over-the-knee socks and ankle booties to keep your legs toasty warm as well. Apply these same tricks when wearing cutoff shorts or any other leg-baring clothing you can think of.

Don't give in to puffer coats just yet! It's too soon to turn into the Michelin Man, and that beautiful fall coat you bought just a few months ago still has some life in it. It just needs a little beefing up to help protect you from the cold. Lots of brands (Uniqlo, Patagonia, Calvin Klein, H&M, etc.) make great lightweight down jackets and vests that are perfect for layering. Pick a hoodless style with a low collar in a color that matches your coat. Flip your coat collar up and the puffer will be completely hidden underneath. True, it will add a little bulk to your look, but not nearly as much as that black sleeping bag does, and you'll be surprised how warm it keeps you.

OK, I know this one sounds scary, but hear me out. That long flowing boho dress you wear only in summer can also be worn in the winter; you just need to be willing to really lean into this whole layering thing. First, get a pair of warm winter tights in a neutral color and a matching long-sleeve top or body suit. You want the whole thing to be skin tight so it keeps you warm without getting too bulky. Then throw on that loose slinky dress over the top and start accessorizing. You're already working a lot of look, but this is one of those times when more is definitely more. Add a belt to create a little more shape, throw on some boots and scrunch down a pair of knee-high socks over the top of them. Add bracelets and necklaces. Just really have fun and go for it.

Not only do socks keep your feet warm, they can also completely transform your favorite pair of warm-weather heels. Scrunch them down for a cool, casual look, or pull them up high and straight for something a little more polished. Mix prints and textures. Layer them on top of tights or skinny jeans. It's a fashion-forward look to be sure, but it's nothing you can't handle. Pair your socks and shoes with a neutral bottom and a fun printed top to give your outfit balance, or keep the rest of your outfit clean and simple and let your bold socks-and-shoes combo be the star of your look.

Vests are great for adding a little flare to a classic wool overcoat. You don't need the vest to close. You just want it to lie nicely over the coat without restricting your movement. The boxy fit of most motorcycle vest makes them ideal for this sort of thing, but any vest can potentially work, as long as the coat you intend to layer it over is fitted and has clean lines.

This one might seem a little obvious, but taking your favorite printed summer tank and layering it under a plaid shirt (unbuttoned below the sternum and front-tucked into a pair of skinny jeans) is a good way to play with mixing prints in the winter. Stripes and plaids look great together in complimentary colors, but polka dots, floral, and even animal print can work just as well. If you're new to the print-mixing game, try pairing a multicolored print with something two-toned, like black and white stripes. That way the multicolored print can dominate, and you won't run the risk of your prints clashing.

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